The KL gene encodes two proteins: one membrane protein and one secreted transcript that acts as a circulating hormone. Mice mutant for KL show multiple signs of accelerated ageing [ 9363890]. In contrast, overexpression of KL in mice increases lifespan by 20-30%, perhaps through a repression of intracellular INS/IGF1 signals [ 16123266]. KL alleles have also been implicated in human longevity and age-related diseases [ 11792841]. Even though its exact functions remain a mystery, KL may be involved in calcium metabolism and in a vitamin D endocrine system. Premature ageing phenotypes in mice mutant for KL are largely rescued by keeping the animals on a vitamin-D-deficient diet [ 14528024]. KL might also exert its actions through FGF23 [ 16436388]. It is plausible that KL plays some role in human ageing but more work is necessary to confirm this notion and elucidate the mechanisms involved.

References

MeSH Terms:
Only a subset of the Medical Subject Headings terms is shown: the Major Topics MeSH terms.
They describe one of the main topics discussed in the article denoted by an asterisk on the MeSH term or MeSH/Subheading combination on the PubMed page.
MeSH terms that belong to the Ageing MeSH are highlighted in green.